Pee & Urine Issues - Pain, Bed-Wetting, Amount & Frequency / Question
Published: July 24, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I experience burning/pain and pressure and feel the urgency to urinate when in fact my bladder is empty. I also have discharge that has a fishy odor. My problems seem to be worse just before my periods and during it. Could you please tell me what is causing it and what I need to do to resolve it. Thank you!
Signed: Burning When Urinate
Dear Burning When Urinate,
TeenHealthFX recommends that you go the doctor for your painful urination problem as soon as possible. It does sound like you may have some type of infection, but we cannot diagnose you over the Internet. Your symptoms need to be treated by a doctor.
Urinary tract infections, also called bladder infections are a common health concern in teen-aged women. Some symptoms include painful urination, pain or itching in the genital region, frequent urge to pee and blood in urine. You seem to have many of these symptoms and need medical treatment to prevent the infection or irritation from getting any more painful.
So call your doctor. Urinary tract infections are easily treated with medications and are not serious if treated in a timely manner. If you do not have your own doctor and live in northern New Jersey you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973.971.6475 for an appointment; outside of this area you can call a teen health center or local Planned Parenthood in your area. Teen health centers can see teens for sexual health reasons without your parent's consent and on a low/no cost basis. When making the appointment, let the receptionist know that you need an appointment quickly and explain your symptoms.
In the meantime while you are waiting to go to the doctor and for prevention of this problem in the future, practice these methods:
- Drink plenty of water
- Try to urinate when you feel the urge and try to urinate after intercourse
- Wipe your vaginal area after peeing from front to back to avoid and reduce the spread of bacteria
- Do not have sex until your doctor says that you are okay
- Wear cotton underwear
- Avoid tight fitting clothing around your vaginal area
- Wash genital area daily using a mild soap
- Do not douche
Signed: TeenHealthFX
While 93% of teenage women report that their first intercourse was voluntary, one-quarter of these young women report that it was unwanted. 
